Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley are set to face off in a high-stakes North Carolina Senate race, according to CNN's projections. This election will be a crucial battleground for both parties, with Democrats aiming to flip the Republican-held seat and take control of the Senate. Cooper, a former governor, and Whatley, a former RNC chair, are vying for the opportunity to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis. With Trump's endorsement, Whatley has a strong base in the state, but Cooper's popularity and political experience make him a formidable opponent. The outcome will depend on the economy and the ability of each candidate to connect with unaffiliated voters, who hold the key to victory.